Origin and Habitat: Cleistocactus baumannii is widely distributed in the Chaco of Bolivia, western Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Altitude range: It occurs at elevations between 10 and 1,000 metres above sea level.Habitat and Ecology: This cactus grows in sandy and clayey soils, in forest borders as well as within dense or open forests. It can also be found in the scrubs of the dry Chaco and in the eastern region of Paraguay. Furthermore, it grows in rocky areas and open sites. This species is locally abundant and favored by anthropogenic activities, and there are no major threats affecting it. It also occurs in many protected areas. The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) eats this cactus mostly in the dry season.

Cultivation and Propagation: Cleistocactus baumannii is a a much decorative hardy cactus. It is very easy to grow but tends to look untidy in the collection if not staked. It is recommended as one of the best of the sprawling Cleistocactus forms, with the added benefit of being reliably hardy.Growth rate:Cleistocactus baumannii grows rapidly enough to need pruning.Soil: Grow it in a rich and particularly draining substratum, as it is very sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.Water: It needs plenty of water in the summer (during the vegetative period) when it will flower for months, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again; in winter, it’s to be kept dry. Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days or cold winter days.Hardiness: This is one of hardiest of the woolly columnar cacti from Bolivia that grow at an altitude of up to 1000 meters. It is a frost resistant cactus, hardy to -7°(or even less if very dry). However in cultivation it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 0° C, even if in an aerated and protected location, in order to avoid the formation of anti-aesthetic spots on the epidermis. In presence of high atmospheric humidity avoid any frost as it is particularly sensitive to root rot. Exposure: It need full sun exposures with ample airflow to produce dense hairs, but, as a former mountain dweller, does not care for extremely high temperatures in summer. Maintenance: Repot in the spring, when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. As with many cleistocacti, the flowers are produced in profusion: the dead ones just fall off so need to be regularly tidied up. It will probably benefit from the occasional pruning to keep it in check and provide cuttings for propagation. Otdoors clumps need renewal after five to ten years, done by removing old growth.Use: Excellent as landscape or patio plant. It is suitable for small “desert” gardens, in association with other xerophytes. Where the open air cultivation is not possible due to the climate, it is to be cultivated in pot in order to shelter it in winter. Propagation: By seeds and by cuttings, provided left drying up well, in summer.